Former Pennsylvania state Rep. Jennifer Mann, of Allentown, has opened a business consulting firm in Allentown. JL Mann Consulting LLC services include helping clients identify new markets and prospective clients, project management, implementing cost savings and support services, including media guidance and public speaking.

Before serving in the House, Mann launched a wireless telecommunications business in Allentown. Mann was first elected a state representative in 1998; her seventh term expired Nov. 30.

Mann also serves on the board of the Arthritis Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, the executive board of the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the board of associates for the Allentown Art Museum, Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College.

Before her election in 1998, Mann served as chairwoman of the finance committee for the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, an organization that seeks to bridge gaps between the private sector and government to help businesses grow. She also acted as a government liaison for the Program for Women and Families, a nonprofit organization that aids victims of domestic violence.

Mann earned degrees in government and economics from Lehigh University.

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James A. Hughes, president and CEO of Clinton-based Unity Bank, was named to the board of directors of the New Jersey Bankers Association. The association represents 119 banks and more than 235 financial service providers.

Hughes, of Lebanon Township, joined Unity Bank in 2000 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He was appointed president and CEO in 2003.

Before joining Unity, he served as senior vice president of finance at Summit Bancorp of Princeton and as an audit manager with KPMG LLP. A certified public accountant, Hughes is a member of the Financial Executives Institute and the Community Bankers Association.

Hughes earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance from Mount St. Mary’s College and a master’s degree of business administration in finance from Seton Hall University. He has served as an adjunct professor of accounting at Rutgers University.

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Michael J. FischerCourtesy Photo

Michael J. Fischer, president and CEO of Client 1st Financial LLC in Upper Macungie Township, was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.

Fischer was recognized for his commitment to humanitarian service. Named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones, the fellowship is the foundation’s highest honor.

Fischer is a member of the Lions Club in Kutztown, Pa., where he was recently honored for dedication to the foundation’s humanitarian goals with a plaque and lapel pin.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.3 million members.

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Bruce Gage, Bethe Frazer and Lisa Ellis, sales associates with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Hunterdon County, were listed among the company’s 2012 top 50 agents year-to-date through September.

Gage, of the Flemington office, was number 32 in both sales and units sold. Frazer, of the Clinton office, was number 23 in units sold. Ellis, also of the Clinton office, was number 38 in units sold.